Riley Leonard, a quarterback who made a significant impact at Duke before a successful stint at Notre Dame, is a noteworthy prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. His journey has been challenging, marked by his impressive resilience, particularly during the adversity-riddled 2023 season. Standing tall at 6-foot-4 and weighing 216 pounds, Leonard also boasts a commendable 40-yard dash time of 4.52 seconds.
During the 2022 season, Leonard earned recognition as Duke’s Most Valuable Player and Offensive MVP. He showcased remarkable leadership, leading his team to a well-deserved bowl game, with an outstanding individual contribution of 33 touchdowns. However, his good fortune was quickly disrupted in the following season when injuries took their toll.
Beginning the 2023 season on a strong note, Leonard, originally from Alabama, faced an unwelcome setback due to an ankle injury, forcing him to sit out a game. Unfortunately, a subsequent toe injury prematurely ended his season. That unfortunate game marked Leonard’s final appearance with the Blue Devils.
Following his departure from Duke, Leonard began the next chapter of his football career at Notre Dame. His single season with the Fighting Irish in 2024 was characterized by a strong rebound. He expertly guided his new team to the national championship against a formidable opponent, Ohio State.
Despite the promising start to the championship game, where Leonard managed to score a 1-yard touchdown in a nine-carry opening drive, the scoreboard didn’t witness much action for Notre Dame. However, Leonard’s resilient spirit showcased itself as he managed to throw two touchdown passes in the second half. While his performance wasn’t ideal, it demonstrated his commitment to fighting to the end, a cornerstone of his playstyle.
With his college football career behind him, the focus for Leonard now turns to the NFL. Part of his preparation includes participation in the scouting combine, an opportunity for him to display his remarkable athletic skills and address concerns regarding his unusual throwing motion, which may be discouraging for some scouts.
Leonard’s entry to the NFL is expected to present challenges faced by the majority of rookie quarterbacks. However, his proven mindset and potential make him a promising prospect. While not an immediate fit for a starting role, under patient and intelligent guidance, he possesses the potential to develop into a long-term starter.
Examining Leonard’s performance at Notre Dame from 2021 to 2024 reveals some notable statistics. The standout year was 2022, where he completed 63.8% of his passes for 2,967 yards and scored 20 touchdowns, in addition to running for 699 yards to score 13 additional touchdowns. His brief but impactful tenure there forms a pivotal part of his career buildup for the NFL.
In terms of strengths, Leonard offers exceptional spatial awareness and has shown the ability to navigate the field effectively whether on designed runs or escaping pressure. He exhibits powerful quick-twitch movements and combines them with his size, which makes him tough to bring down. He also shows a keen instinct for reaching the end zone, both on foot and via his passing game.
When set up properly, Leonard delivers strong deep throws with accuracy and power. His passes effectively reach intended targets, even in tight spots. He is also capable of winning foot races with defenders owing to his long-striding running ability. These abilities, along with his unique size and athleticism, could be honed under the right coaching and system to foster a strong starter.
Leonard’s passion for the game is evident and he has frequently demonstrated a willingness to take control and carry the team when necessary. Despite his many strengths, Leonard does have areas for improvement. His 2023 toe injury and the style of play he generally resorts to have raised concerns of an elevated injury risk.
There are concerns about Leonard’s footwork within the pocket, which could pose problems at the professional level. His throwing motion, while natural for him, is somewhat unconventional and can deter potential adopters. The different aspects of Leonard’s ball placement and the erratic nature of some of his throws, whether due to late processing of the read, questionable mechanics, or mere misfires, have been duly noted.
Leonard’s performance consistency needs improvement, as he has been observed to exhibit streaky play. Transitioning to the NFL will require intensive work with professional coaches, especially if he is expected to transition from under center. There is also the risk of him being labeled system dependent, excelling mainly in zone-read and RPO-based schemes at the next level.